Romans 6:18
“Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”
Context:The book of Romans, written by the apostle Paul, is a letter addressed to the believers in Rome. In the previous chapters, Paul explains the concept of justification by faith in Christ and how believers are no longer under the dominion of sin but have been set free.
Freedom from Sin:Paul begins verse 18 by stating that believers have been “made free from sin.” This freedom is a result of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Through faith in Christ, believers are no longer slaves to sin and its power over their lives.
Servants of Righteousness:Paul continues by saying that as a result of being freed from sin, believers have become “the servants of righteousness.” This means that instead of being bound by sin, believers now belong to righteousness and are called to live a life that is in accordance with God’s righteous standards.
The Shift in Allegiance:Before coming to faith in Christ, humanity is under the reign of sin, living according to their fleshly desires. However, when someone puts their faith in Jesus, there is a radical transformation. They are transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light, from being slaves to sin to becoming servants of righteousness.
The Believer’s New Identity:This verse highlights a crucial aspect of the believer’s new identity in Christ. Though they were once identified with sin, they are now identified with righteousness. This identity shift is not just a superficial change but a complete transformation from the inside out.
A Life of Obedience:Being servants of righteousness means that believers are called to live a life that reflects the righteousness of God. It involves submitting to God’s will, walking in obedience to His commandments, and pursuing holiness. The power of sin no longer controls believers, but they are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live righteously.
The Grace Factor:It’s important to note that this transformation from being slaves of sin to servants of righteousness is not accomplished through human effort alone. It is by the grace of God and the work of the Holy Spirit within believers that this change occurs. The believer’s responsibility is to yield themselves to God and allow His transforming power to work in their lives.
